windward

[ wind-werd ]

adverb

1. toward the wind; toward the point from which the wind blows.

adjective

1. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows ( leeward ).

noun

1. the point or quarter from which the wind blows.
2. the side toward the wind.

windward

/ ˈwɪndwəd /

adjective

1. of, in, or moving to the quarter from which the wind blows
2. to windward of
   advantageously situated with respect to

noun

1. the windward point
2. the side towards the wind

adverb

1. towards the wind

Other Words From

• windward·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of windward¹

First recorded in 1540–50; wind ¹ + -ward

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to windward, in a position of vantage: Also to the windward.

   We got to windward of the difficulty.

Example Sentences

"This results in higher temperatures being recorded on the downwind side compared with the windward side on the mountains."

From BBC

"Anyone who goes to the beach on Hawai'i's windward coastlines has probably seen these processes in action, even if they weren't aware," said Ackerman.

From Science Daily

These mountains are on Oahu’s wetter, windward side because they trap moisture and rain that move across the island from the northeast.

From Seattle Times

Areas in “severe drought” include Maui’s leeward side — where the now burned town of Lahaina is — while the windward side is considered “abnormally dry.”

From Los Angeles Times

After drifting thousands of miles, the boat found its way Friday to Punaluu on Oahu’s windward coast, where it’s been laying on its side on white sand and rocks.

From Seattle Times